European Commission President says Putin weaponizes energy again

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has reacted to Gazprom’s decision to halt gas supplies to Austria, addressing the issue on the social media platform X. She described the move as another attempt by Russian President Vladimir Putin to weaponize energy against Europe.

’’He is trying to blackmail Austria & Europe by cutting gas supplies,” she stressed.

However, Von der Leyen assured that the EU is well-prepared for such challenges, with gas storage facilities fully stocked for winter, and reiterated her message of unity with Austria. “Europe stands united in supporting Austria,” she said.

Austria confirmed on November 16 that gas deliveries from Russia were suspended. The announcement came shortly after an arbitration court ruled in favor of Austrian energy provider OMV in its dispute with Gazprom, ordering the Russian company to pay €230 million for failing to meet supply obligations through its German subsidiary.